Travel the World in a DayIrving is home to the most diverse ZIP code in the nation, a magnitude of multicultural restaurants and over 50 spoken languages in its schools. Diversity is fundamental to the City of Irving, which is why this year’s fifth annual Canal Fest is set to be the most exciting event to date!

Canal Fest 2018 is a celebration of world cultures, featuring dance, music, art and food representative of cultures from around the world. Three performance stages provide an immersive and interactive exploration of culture. Each stage showcases one or more continents, while the area surrounding each stage features food, activities, children’s crafts, cultural displays and vendors. Explore artifacts from a variety of world cultures presented by the Museum of International Cultures. Photo stations will be placed around the festival, and attendees are encouraged to dress in clothing that represents their own heritage or culture. Admission and activities are free.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, as seating is not provided for the performance stages.

An ATM is available near the food court.

Alcohol may not be brought into or removed from the event grounds. Outside food is permitted.

Leashed, well-behaved dogs are permitted on event grounds, but may be prohibited from certain exhibit areas. The handler is required to control and clean after dogs at all times.

Please refrain from smoking within the event grounds.

VenueTraditionally set along the Mandalay Canal in the Las Colinas Urban Center, this popular festival has been temporarily relocated a few blocks south due to road construction. Now located along the shores of Lake Carolyn, Canal Fest offers a beautiful view of the entertainment district and close proximity to dining, dancing, hotels and more.

ParkingEvent parking is available in area parking garages for $10 per vehicle. Garages open to the public one hour before the event.

Attendees also are encouraged to ride the DART Orange Line to the Las Colinas Urban Center Station. A free shuttle service will transport attendees between the station and the event. The Las Colinas APT trams will also offer complimentary scenic tours of the Lake Carolyn area while transporting attendees between the DART station and the event site. Both the shuttle buses and APT trams will run from 1:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Bar Louie LoungeStep into the lounge tent to cool off with shade, a breeze and an adult beverage. Offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages for purchase, the lounge is an excellent location to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

Complimentary GiftComplete an event survey and receive a complimentary gift (while supplies last). There are two ways to complete a survey:

Using a mobile device, visit www.pollev.com/IrvingEvents and complete the Canal Fest survey online. Once the survey is complete, show your mobile device to staff at the red Information Station to receive your complimentary gift.

Complete a paper survey by visiting the Information Station, located in the center of the event grounds.

Restrooms and First AidBoth standard and ADA accessible portable restrooms are located throughout the event grounds. Please visit the red Information Station for assistance with first aid, lost and found, and general event information.

Explore Africa

Journey the continent of Africa through a variety of exhibits, interactive experiences and activities. View a variety of masks, statues, instruments and other items from Africa used for special ceremonies and daily life by communities of the past and present. Shop for jewelry, accessories and decor representative of African culture. Free children's activities include African animal face paint, a take-home craft and more.

WFAA Community First Stage

2:15 p.m.

Ayubu Kamau Kings and QueensThis performing arts mentoring organization works with community youth to develop self confidence, discipline and character through the arts. These students have performed African drum, dance and theater at festivals across North Texas.

Griot Afiah BeyAfiah Bey is a former teacher whose love of history and spoken word led her to become a griot, a West African term for a traveling storyteller who maintains the tradition of oral history. Her stories of African history are told through interactive tales, songs, music and movement.

Ayubu Kamau Kings and QueensThis performing arts mentoring organization works with community youth to develop self confidence, discipline and character through the arts. These students have performed African drum, dance and theater at festivals across North Texas.

Bahdae West African Dance CompanyA Dallas-based African drum and dance group, these performers work with students and professional dancers to sustain and promote the culture of the African diaspora through educational outreach programs.

Bandan Koro Dance & DrumKnown for their energy and charisma, this ensemble provides classes, performances and cultural activities throughout the year. They encourage appreciation for African dance, music and history through their interactive shows.

Bahdae West African Dance CompanyA Dallas-based African drum and dance group, these performers work with students and professional dancers to sustain and promote the culture of the African diaspora through educational outreach programs.

Bandan Koro Dance & DrumKnown for their energy and charisma, this ensemble provides classes, performances and cultural activities throughout the year. They encourage appreciation for African dance, music and history through their interactive shows.

Drummers of BurundiThe Royal Drummers of Burundi are a percussion ensemble from the small country of Burundi in Central Africa. Their performances form a central part of many social ceremonies in Burundi, with traditions passed down for centuries. The DFW area is home to one of the travelling groups from this talented collective, bringing a performance seen around the world to the heart of Irving.

Explore Europe & Asia

Journey the continents of Europe & Asia through a variety of exhibits, interactive experiences and activities. Observe the arts of Japanese origami and Chinese calligraphy. Shop for jewelry, accessories and decor representative of modern and ancient European and Asian cultures. Participate in Indian culture through henna tattoos, and take advantage of photo opportunities at scenic backdrops. Free children's activities include multiple take-home craft stations and more.

Bar Louie Stage

2:30 p.m.

Murphy Highland DanceCultural ambassadors who celebrate Scottish culture and heritage, the students of Murphy Highland Dance are talented competitors within the world of Highland Dancing.

Alpine Dancers (G.T.E.V.) EdelweissFormed over thirty years ago to maintain the traditions of Bavarian and Tirolean folk and mountain costumes, customs, music and dance, this dance club represents the alpine regions of Europe. The highly skilled group performs in both the U.S. and Germany.

Mastee Dance SchoolReturning for a third Canal Fest performance, these dancers showcase Indian culture and heritage through costume, music and dance. All ages work together to display Bollywood and Bhangra styles of dance.

Jagoda Polish Folk Dance EnsembleThe ensemble uses artistic dance, passionate songs and colorful performances to promote Polish folklore and culture. Their repertoire includes melodies and dances from all regions of Poland, as well as Polish national dances.

Sa'diyya Belly DanceSa'diyya is an internationally known, award-winning professional belly dancer and instructor. With almost two decades of Middle Eastern dance experience, Sa'diyya and her students bring skill and passion to every performance.

The Selkie GirlsOne of the premier folk music acts in our region, the band performs at Celtic festivals and venues across the state. Their take on the Celtic music tradition includes ballads, traditional Irish tunes, Scottish Gaelic folk songs, and foot-stomping jigs.

Explore North & South America

Journey the continents of North and South America through exhibits, interactive experiences and activities. View a variety of tools, pottery, instruments and other items from indigenous cultures used for special ceremonies and daily life by communities of the past and present. Shop for jewelry, accessories and decor representative of cultures from across the Americas. Free activities include caricature drawings, photo stations and more.

Irving Arts Center Stage

2:00 p.m.

The Shufflin' Shoes CloggersCreated almost 20 years ago, this dance team performs at festivals across the region. A dance formed in the Appalachian Mountains as immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and England interacted with Native Americans and African slaves, clogging is a true melting pot of step dances.

Estudio Flamenco DallasThe students of Estudio Flamenco Conservatory of Dallas are passionate and dedicated to perfecting their craft. Affectionately called Flamenkitos, they are the youth division of Flamenco DNA.

David Herrera EntertainmentCompetitive dancer, choreographer and instructor David Herrera brings a team of skilled performers to display a number of Latin ballroom styles. Take part in a group dance lesson following the show!

Flamenco DNA This performance collective displays the strength, love and dedication of flamenco dance. Originating in Spain, with strong support in both Japan and the U.S., flamenco is an art form combining singing, music, movement and percussion in a manner like no other.

Ballet Folklorico Azteca de Fort WorthThis organization was founded almost 50 years ago, and is Fort Worth's oldest, largest and most recognized Mexican folk dance organization. They promote Mexican heritage and multicultural understanding through music and dance.

Sandunga Dance CompanyA celebration of Latin American culture, Sandunga Dance Company is a community of dancers expressing joy through salsa, mambo and other Latin ballroom styles. Enjoy student and adult performances, followed by a group dance lesson.

Grace Hula Dance, Drum & FireWatch a story unfold as the dancers sway their hips and tell a story with their hands, accompanied by drummers and fire ball twirlers. These highly skilled performers bring energy and excitement to the stage each year.

2018 Stage Sponsors

2018 Supporting Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Thousands of people from Irving and neighboring areas attend our annual
festivities. Support this community event and increase the visibility
of your organization by becoming a sponsor. For more information on
becoming a sponsor, view our Sponsorship Packages (PDF) and contact The Sponsor Bureau at (214) 702-6411.

*Please check back regularly for event updates. Information is subject to change.